India asks US to make domestic H-1B visa renewals permanent, ease visas for traders & investors
India has also flagged its concerns about problems being faced by domestic businesses in getting timely visas for the US and has urged America to fast track the process, an official statement said on Saturday.
These concerns were raised during the 14th India-US Trade Policy Forum held in New Delhi on Friday. It was co-chaired by the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
“For H1B renewal visas, stamping has begun in the US on a pilot basis and we have asked them to make it permanent and for family members also,” an official told ET, adding that by April, tourist and business visa times to the US are expected to get normalised.
The commerce ministry said that the two ministers noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers, students, investors and business visitors between the countries contributes immensely to enhancing bilateral economic and technological partnership.
H-1B visa domestic renewal begins January 29, 2024: Key dates to note, fees & documents you need
«Minister Goyal highlighted challenges being faced by business visitors from India due to visa processing time periods and requested the US to augment processing,» the statement said.
On easing E1 and E2 visas for traders and investors, the official said that India has sought treaty status from the US: “They have 87 treaty countries including China. we are not treaty a country and have requested to be made part of those which will help get us visas easily and faster”.
Domestic Renewal of H-1B visas
The United States will begin the much-anticipation pilot programme that will let selected H-1B visa holders renew their work permits from within the US from January 29, 2024.
Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com
